Director of People & People Operations

Location: London (hybrid – approx. 3 days in office)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Reports to: Chief People Officer

Direct reports: 5

Qualification: CIPD (Essential)

About the role

At Genomics England, we are entering a new phase of growth and transformation and are creating a Director of People and People Operations role to help shape what comes next.

This newly created position reflects our ambition to build a more strategic, data driven and service led People function. You will play a critical role in shaping how People services are delivered across the organisation, ensuring they are modern, efficient and aligned to our mission.

Working closely with the Chief People Officer, you will translate strategy into clear, actionable plans while leading a high performing team that delivers an exceptional employee experience and supports our continued evolution.

This is a unique opportunity to design, influence and embed the future of People Operations at scale.

What you will be doing

You will operate as a strategic leader and trusted advisor, with responsibility for:

• Shaping and embedding a modern People service model, ensuring consistency and quality across People Partners and Operations
• Leading People Operations excellence, delivering efficient, scalable and continuously improving services, policies and processes
• Elevating employee experience by embedding a strong service mindset and focusing on engagement at every touchpoint
• Driving data led decision making through clear metrics, dashboards and insight driven recommendations
• Championing innovation and AI adoption to enhance efficiency and transform service delivery
• Delivering strategic transformation programmes including policy redesign, system implementation and new ways of working
• Influencing at executive level, deputising for the CPO in ELT and People Committee meetings and building strong relationships with senior leaders, including the CEO
• Building a high performing team by leading, coaching and developing an inclusive and future ready People function
• Ensuring governance and compliance across policies, workforce planning and regulatory requirements

What we are looking for

We are seeking a strategic and hands on leader who thrives in building and evolving functions.

You will bring:

• 10+ years experience leading People Operations and People Partnering functions
• A strong service mindset with a track record of improving employee experience
• Advanced analytical capability, using data and insights to drive decisions
• Experience delivering large scale transformation programmes
• Proven ability to leverage technology and AI to modernise People services
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including influencing at executive level
• A track record of building and leading high performing teams
• Excellent communication, prioritisation and strategic thinking skills
• CIPD qualification (essential)

Why join us

At Genomics England, every role contributes to improving lives through genomic medicine.

• Shape a newly created leadership role with real scope to define and build
• Be part of a mission driven organisation transforming healthcare
• Work in a collaborative and innovative environment
• Help build a future focused, technology enabled People function

Ready to make an impact

If you are excited by the opportunity to build and shape a newly created role in a purpose driven organisation, we would love to hear from you.